THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1786, 4 November 1919, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

OPERA HOUSE. There was seldom a moment at the Opera House last evening when the interest of a large audience was not held. The 'vaudeville portion of the hill was extremely diverse, and had quite a suggestion of the vaudeville of a decade ago, when feats of skill and daring provided the main source of entertainment. But revue, which comprised the second half of the programme, lacked nothing of modernness, and both jn effects and song nothing was served up but the "latest." Seldom is double dancing seen here of such calibre as that which Moon and Morris two newcomers presented so successfully. They arc "soft toe" dancers, who impart an amusing suggestion by a wealth of eccentric movements. They open with patter, but this is only the medium to permit of some fooling by one of the partners, who affects an eccentric makeup. The dancing which follows is pantomimic, the two in odd postures presenting a very weird effect. Especially good work was done as the two appeared to be reading a newspaper. It is an act which should be seen. In the turn of Pinto, a contortionist another newcomer, quite a number of novelties were introduced. He opened by emerging from a small-sized box, and followed by worming his way by limb contortions through a very small frame. By way of diversion he tied himself in seemingly hopeless knots, but managed to unravel things, to the relief of all. Frank Sidney slightly varied his act, and vaulted in amazing fashion, on one occasion, over the heads of ten men. His "singing" dog gave an amusing finish to a particularly strenuous act. The Astons gave fresh handbalances, and excited admiration by their strength; whilst the Cracknells cracked whips and otherwise proved entertaining. "Safety First,*' a title which suggests nothing connected with the actual revue, was possibly the most entertaining of the Paul Stanhope productions yet presented. The company appears much more at home than was the case at the beginning of Ihc season, and the chorus now move with precision and spirit. The piece was replete in low comedy incident, and went with a swing to its amusing and inconsequential climax. Spike Murphy (Paul Stanhope), to use his own catch-phrase, was "fine, fine, fine" throughout, and was ably backed by Mark Erickson, who has decision and clear diction, and thus is an effective "feeder" to a patter comedian. Ernest Pitcher possesses considerable experience in putting his act "over," and he gave a patter and song interlude which roused his admirers to enthusiasm. Apart from the low comedy side, some pleasing effects were achieved, chiefly through the medium of the chorus. The ballet appeared in a bewildering succession of frocks, and later as Hawaiian girls lent charming support to Ethel Bennetto in "Yaka, Hula, Hicky Dula." The rose dance was extremely well done by Eileen and Gwen Moloney, and the Ginger Girls did the "Butterfly Ballet" in dainty fashion. The Grafters' Quartet gave some popular numbers, and songs were also contributed by Maude Miles and Helen McCain. The programme will be repeated this week.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. Large crowds attended the Queen's Theatre yesterday, when D. W. Grilllth's great war-drama, "Hearts of the World," was screened. Without doubt this 111 mis one of the greatest triumphs of the screen art ever shown in Christchurch. It is produced on a stupendous scale, and the war scenes are absolutely real. The acting is of the highest possible order, the Gish sisters, Robert Harron, and other distinguished artists being in the cast. A good programme is shown in support. Patrons are asked to note that the Queen's Theatre is again running continuously from 11 a.m. CRYSTAL PALACE. "When a Woman Loves" is the title of the star attraction at Crystal Palace this week. The danty Metro star, Emmy Wehlen, plays the? role of the heroine with success. The plot is novel and intensely thrilling, the climax being as startling as one could desire. The mercurial'comedian, Billy West, supplies the humorous element to the programme with his latest production, "The Rogue." "The Last Bottle" is another comedy. It is a clever satire on Prohibition. It is from the pen of J. Montgomery Flagg. The lyric tenor, Mr Harold Prcscott, is singing again this week at Crystal Palace. The same programme will be presented all this week, starting at noon eacli day. STRAND THEATRE. Another good programme is being presented at the Strand Theatre this week. The leading item is "Arizona," starring that popular actor, Douglas Fairbanks, who is seen in all sorts of hair-raising and athletic stunts. The story is full of thrills. That most attractive litte star, Vivian Martin, is is appearing in "Jane Goes A-wooing." The supporting programme includes dramatic, comic, and topical subjects. The Strand now opens at noon daily. GRAND THEATRE. Mildred Harris, a clever artist, with a personality considerably larger than her stature, is seen in a role which suits her admirably in "For Husbands Only." Admirable, too, are the settings used for this production. "The Further Adventures of Stlngarce," a character after the type of Raffles, from the pen of E. W. Hornung. is being shown as a support to the star film. This is one of a series of "Stingaree" films, each of which is self-contained. The programme at the Grand Theatre is shown continuously from noon each day. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Rex Beach's powerful drama, "Heart of the Sunset," is being shown with success at Everybody's Theatre this week. Excellent films support the star attraction, including "The Magnificent Meddler," a Topical Gazette, and a comedy film. LIBERTY THEATRE. "Bill" and "Dorccn" have endeared themselves to thousands of readers of "The Sentimental Bloke" the world over. New Zealand admirers of C. J. Dennis's fascinating creation should not fail to see the film version of it at the Liberty Theatre this week. The whole story is most artistically treated and acted with a fine appreciation of the author's conception. It is a thoroughly enjoyable performance throughout.

** GOODY TWO-SHOES " PANTOMIME. The box plans for the big J. C. Williamson pantomime, "Goody Two-Shoes," the season of •which will commence with a matinee next Saturday, will be opened at Milner and Thompson's to-morrow morning. For many years now the J. C. Williamson pantomime has reached the high water mark of spectacular production on the Australasian stage. It is said that even in the wider theatrical atmosphere of the* English-speaking world, the Williamson pantomime may justly be claimed to be equalled by few and excelled by none." This year it would appear the big 'firm has not departed from its customary method of selecting a popular nursery talc as a name, and embroidering the pattern with scenery, costumes, music and specialties in a manner that delights and bewilders the audience. The ostensible pattern this year is "Goody Two-Shoes," but so enveloped with spectacle, light and colour as to make the sample fustian of our childhood, rich and shining as cloth of gold. The book of the play, which, by the way, is by that incomparable librettist, Frank Dix, opens in the astrologer's room in the palace of the Duke of Blossomville, where the arrangements are entered into for a fight to a finish between the world-old antagonists of good and I evil. Tin's is subsequently shown in a series I of beautiful scenes, to the accompaniment | of song, dance and specialty, with intricate I and graceful poses and processions of figures gorgeously and artistically robed. I There are no fewer than 1!) scenes, the most !of which require the full stage for their 1 development. The last of these—the Hall of Concord, in the Palace of Peace —is a dazzling feature, radiant with light and movement; a glittering pageant that for sheer beauty will live long in the memory. It would appear that the directors have catered liberally for the children, without in any way detracting from the attractiveness of the show for the grown-ups. The specialties make a strong appeal to the children as well as to the adults. The Marionette Circus, depicting Circus Day in Toyland, is a complete cirens performance in miniature, animals included. The Kcnna brothers in their acrobatic specialty, "To the North Pole by Airplane." is another astonishing item, while the "Toy Soldier" of Mr Fred Walton is a pantomimic feature of great cleverness. It is confidently asserted that any one of these big specialties would be sufficient to make the success of any pantomime. Add to these a cast including Messrs Arthur Stigant, Herbert Vivian, Gus. Bluett, Sydney Yates, Arthur Elliott, Charles Howard, Stanley Odgers, and Misses Dorothy Hastings, Madeleine Harrison, Maude Gray, Maggie Dickinson and Toby Claude, and a happy interpretation of the play may be confidently looked for.

VAUDEVILLE AT THE KING'S. The Royal Togo and Alsace Company wjll open a season at the King's Theatre, on Friday next. The outstanding feature of the entertainment is the juggling and balancing of the Togos. Quite a remarkable achievement is that of U. Togo, who juggles with six sticks at the same time. The sticks arc about two feet in length, and are kept revolving in the air simultaneously, and, although they are kept moving by his hands, it looks to the observer as if they arc actually suspended in the air by an unseen wire, so fast and evenly do they spin. He has also a remarkable balancing act with a glass of water on a small tray supported by sticks from the chin. Then follows a sensational tight ripe walk from the level of the stage to the roof above the dress circle. This is performed by the other brother, G. Togo, with a sunshade as his only support. Louis Alsace, the wizard of the violin, provides classic gems and excerpts from grand opera on the violin, 'cello and alsacephone. Miss Lnlla Knight is a lyric soprano with a fine voice. Doreen Dore, the personality- young lady, Is New Zealand's greatest dancer, and has concluded a successful tour under Fuller's circuit. These artists depart shortly for America and Europe, and this is their farewell to New Zealand. Wendy Dale and Alphonsc are two clever musical people whose dressy act has been much appreciated throughout their tour of New Zealand. Their act is full of bright humour. Miss Dale is described as "the cutest dresser in vaudeville." Her frocks arc importations from America, and are the last word in stage dressing. Her quick changes arc remarkable, and must be seen to be believed. Miss O Hana Mitsu is the only Japanese planistc who has toured New Zealand. The box plan will open at The Bristol to-morrow morning.